Dufour Aerospace announces the selection of Air Energy as a partner for battery modules

Dufour Aerospace is pleased to announce that Air Energy has been selected as a supplier for the smart battery packs for the hybrid-electric propulsion system of the uncrewed tilt-wing aircraft Aero2. Air Energy will design the battery housing, the mechanical and electrical connection of the battery packs and the battery management system for the Aero2.

Jasmine Kent, Co-founder and CTO of Dufour Aerospace says: “Aero2 is a hybrid VTOL aircraft, so batteries are a critical component, and it was very important to us that we find the right partner. Air Energy has an outstanding track record of supplying high-performance battery systems for light aircraft, and we are proud to select them to provide the battery modules for Aero2. Each module has its own battery management system (BMS), enabling in-flight charging of the batteries, allowing us to approach the landing zone with a full charge and maximum performance. It also enables rapid touch-and-go ground turnaround, without having to wait between flights for recharging. We are excited to partner with Air Energy on the supply of these critical power modules for our first production aircraft.”

Christoph Schäper, Managing Director at Air Energy, says: “It is a great pleasure for us to be selected by Dufour to supply the smart battery packs for Aero2. The entire team is excited to join forces with such an exceptionally professional, ambitious and dynamic partner. We strongly believe in the concept of the envisioned Aero2 drone and look forward to contributing to its success in the coming years. Air Energy will bring in its experience in battery and BMS development gained over the last 30 years. Within the past decade, Air Energy focused increasingly on the development and production of drone batteries. By the end of 2023, we will have produced over 1500 batteries, all of them protected by BMS systems developed in-house. In our strive to become a leading manufacturer of drone and aircraft batteries, it is important for us to partner with the most dynamic and innovative companies. The cooperation with Dufour Aerospace will be a perfect match.”

About Air Energy

Air Energy was founded in 1992 for the development of a self-launching electric Sailplane. From its very beginning, the company is dedicated to the implementation of new battery concepts into practical applications. Airborne systems have always been a major focus for us. Since 2003, we have developed and produced smart battery systems based on Li-Ion cells for specialised and exceptional applications. Our batteries have been developed for automotive prototyping (e. g. BMW concept cars), experimental aircraft (e.g.Solar Impulse), underwater and airborne drones, VTOL/STOL aircraft and more. We continuously develop new ideas and produce customised solutions with high demands on performance, quality and reliability. The Air Energy team works hand-in-hand on the mechanical design, electronics and software of the battery so that everything is perfectly coordinated. Our service portfolio extends from the design and realisation of prototypes, initial sampling and commissioning to the production of high-quality series products.
airenergy.de‍

About Dufour Aerospace

Dufour Aerospace develops efficient and ecological aircraft for patient and passenger transport, logistics and public safety. Dufour Aerospace’s designs currently under development rely on the tilt-wing principle. They take off and land vertically in the smallest space like a helicopter but fly as fast and economically as an airplane. While the propellers are electric-driven, hybrid elements (conventional combustion engines or fuel cells) ensure a sufficiently long range. The first product Dufour Aerospace will launch is the Aero2, an uncrewed aerial vehicle specifically designed for the transportation of critical cargo such as medical supplies of up to 40 kilograms/88 pounds in medium to long-range distances. The manned Aero3, featuring a spacious cabin with eight seats and large doors, is the next aircraft in development by Dufour Aerospace.
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